Fetuli Talanoa announces retirement with immediate effect

Hull FC winger Fetuli Talanoa has hung up his boots with immediate effect. 

The 31-year-old, who has won two Challenge Cups with Hull, decided to call time on his 13-year professional career after sustaining a fresh injury which will require surgery in the near future.

A former Tonga international, Talanoa scored 59 tries in 128 appearances for the Black and Whites.

On his decision to retire, Talanoa said: “This has been the hardest decision for me and my family but the timing now feels right for our journey to come to an end.

“Injuries have been taking their toll and it has come to a point where I would like to put my family first and take them home closer to our friends and relatives in Australia.

“I have really enjoyed my time here at Hull. The club and the city has felt like home for us from the very beginning and I will always look back with very fond memories.

“The back-to-back Challenge Cup wins are special moments and the whole experience from those matches and the celebrations will never before forgotten.

“This city, the club, my coaches and team mates, the staff behind the scenes and the supporters will always have a special place in my heart.”

? 128 games
? 59 tries
? 2 Challenge Cup titles

Thank you for the great times, Tules pic.twitter.com/BeDGq2vDOs

— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) April 9, 2019

On his departing winger, FC coach Lee Radford commented: “Fetuli has been a fantastic servant to this club who will be remembered for being an integral part of two historic Challenge Cup winning squads.

“He has been a champion bloke who has been a popular part of our team for a number of years.

“It’s a great story of the club bringing someone out of the rugby league wilderness, giving them an opportunity and watching them grasp it with both hands.

“It is disappointing to see his career finish in the way it has after a challenging time on and off the field, but he gets to leave the club on his terms and can be extremely proud of his performances for Hull FC.

“The most important thing for him now is his family and I would like to wish Fetuli, Kristie and the children all the very best for their life back in Australia.”